What medical training is required under STCW Convention?
The International maritime organization, through the STCW Convention, has a bevy of courses the various flag states have adopted to aid the mariner in being prepared to render medical care at sea. For virtually every crew member, a one-day course for Elementary First Aid training is conducted as part of the STCW Basic Training week. From there, STCW Table A-VI/4-1 requires a course called Medical First Aid Provider, moving on to the next level, as laid out in Table A-VI/4-2 and Table A-II/2, is Management of Medical Care at Sea/Person in Charge. Table A-II/2 also lists the requirements for a course called Management of Medical Care at Sea.
The MCA system requires Medical First Aid and Proficiency in Medical Care that fulfills the requirements as set forth above. The courses are basically the same content and assessments, but with different names and flag state approvals.
Every crew member has the Basic Training modules for STCW compliance. The first aid and CPR taught during that one-day course is designed to meet the requirements for basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It includes theory and practical training in the classroom. This gives the basic foundational knowledge crew need to provide initial response and treatment to a medical emergency. At this level of training, a crew member has satisfied the Elementary First Aid standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.302(a)(3) AND 12.602(a)(3); STCW Code Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-3, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVIC 08-14(Ch-1).
Next, we step up in care to the Medical First Aid Provider. The training builds on the elementary level and is required for a raise-in-grade from the support level to the operational level of STCW licenses. The training typically takes three to four days and fulfills the competency requirements of 46 CFR 12.619(a)(2); and the Medical First-Aid Provider training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(i); 46 CFR 11.317(a)(3)(i); 46 CFR 11.319(a)(4)(i); 46 CFR 11.329(a)(4)(i); 46 CFR 11.335(a)(3)(i); and 46 CFR 12.619(a)(l); along with the STCW Code Table A-VI/4-1, and the following assessment tasks from NVIC 12-14(Ch-2) and NVIC 02-18: 16.1. This training will also prepare the crew member to assist the Medical Person in Charge with initial assessment, communication and documentation.
Lastly, we get to the highest level of training required, the Medical Person in Charge/Proficiency in Medical Care. This training satisfies the training requirement for candidates applying for an MCA Master 500–3000-ton yachts. It is designed for officers and crew who will be serving as the Medical Person in Charge. This training will satisfy the Medical Person in Charge training requirements of 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(ix); 11.307(a)(3)(ix); 11.311(a)(3)(vi); 11.313(a)(3)(vi); 11.315(a) (3)(ii); and 46 CFR 12.621(a)(1) and (2); and Table A-VI/4-2 of the STCW Code, as amended 2010 for an STCW endorsement as Person in Charge of Medical Care; and the competence of Table A-II/2 to organize and manage the provision of medical care on board hence, satisfying the STCW requirement for a medical certification at the Management Level.
As this is the highest level of medical training under STCW, it is a fairly intense course designed to comply with the regulatory requirements and give crew the knowledge they need to manage a medical emergency at sea. This care can last for days, so the subjects required expand into longer-term care issues such as pain management, medication administration and wound care. It also gets into more of the legal issues, communications between shoreside medical assistance programs and documentation.
Crew members who have completed the Medical Care Provider training can take the Management of Medical Care course. This one-day session is designed to give more information on reference materials and how to use medical publications typically required on board.
Typically, a larger yacht or vessel will have three to four crew members trained at the highest level, but at a minimum, the captain will have this training. After the training, use the knowledge and practice it during emergency drills. Practice regularly, or even have an AED trainer on board to keep your skills honed.